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19 · Friday, March 19, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com A grateful farewell by $MOMO H ello from Halla. And goodbye from me, too, as this column will be my last. Since early December, our herd has travelled far, and we are now approaching South Africa, where the landscapes are quite beautiful. My grandmother reminded me this week that it was time for me to say a big elephant thank you to Oakville, and all those who have worked on behalf of the $Million or More Oakville ($MOMO) endeavour. My brother, sister and I are very inspired by the commitment and generosity of all those who contributed by organizing events and making donations. In the midst of a global economic downturn, $MOMO offered regional families, school children and interested believers a chance to support the Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) in its efforts to Turn The Tide of HIV/AIDS and support hundreds of projects in 15 countries in subSaharan Africa. I have shared some stories about the projects with you, and the resilience and dedication of those working in Africa will always stay in my heart as the ultimate definition of true human spirit. As of January 2010, $MOMO has raised a total of $869,000, the cumulative result of the two-year campaign. Though active efforts have now ceased, donations continue to trickle in. Along with the $MOMO team, my grandmother and I encourage those who may not have yet gotten around to making a donation to do so as soon as possible directly to the Stephen Lewis Foundation under the $MOMO umbrella. It appears $MOMO may yet reach a total of $900,000, and maybe the original $1 million goal. You might also want to know that throughout the $MOMO campaign, every dollar has been contributed directly to the Stephen Lewis Foundation, or another charity focused on HIV/AIDS in Africa. A generous gift of seed money from an anonymous Oakville resident, and donated services, covered all of $MOMO's costs. A special thanks to that donor. In my columns, I have told stories about how my grandmother provides leadership and guidance to our family. However, just as our herd works together as one, I have been inspired by $MOMO's collaborative team of people from every corner of Oakville -- very much like the teams that work on projects supported by the Stephen Lewis Foundation in Africa. In particular, we should recognize the women of oomama, who continue to work tirelessly to help African grandmothers. It is also important to thank three women who provided remarkable leadership and guidance for the $MOMO effort: Ann Mulvale and Andrea Wagner as co-chairs and Sally Armstrong as an inspirational honorary chair. Finally, we should all celebrate the incredible vision of Stephen Lewis himself, who has created a vehicle that is making such a difference in the world. Well done, everyone. My elephant trunk trumpets a big thank you to you all. And, if you're ever on the African Savannah, look me up. Halla is a 13-year-old female African Savannah Elephant who worked with $MOMO to support the Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) and the fight against AIDS in Africa. For more information, visit www.millionormoreslf.ca. -- Submitted by $Million or More Oakville (MOMO) Kidney Disease: If you have a news tip or story idea, call the Oakville Beaver at 905-845-3824. This FREE public education seminar is presented by Halton Healthcare Services in partnership with: How to Preserve Your Kidneys with Nephrologist, Halton Healthcare Services more fun! self confidence more people! grace & poise! SPECIAL OFFER 5 SESSIONS OF DANCING The Heart and Stroke Foundation Foundation of Ontario The Kidney Foundation of Canada Supported through an unrestricted educational grant by: Dr. Daniel Sapir Tuesday, March 23, 2010 6:30 pm Displays 7:00 pm Presentation Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital 327 Reynolds St., Oakville, L6J 3L7 $ NEW STUDENT OFFER By yourself or with a partner New Students. 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